Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

PESTS OF THE WOODS 249Oil cedar i dram.Quassia i dram.Gum camphor4 drams.Vaseline, yellow 2 drams.Dissolve camphor in vaseline by heat; when cold addremainder.I doubt if peppermint adds anything to the efficacyof this formula, and would substitute citronellaor lavender.The principles to be observed in compoundinga dope of one's own are ( i ) choose your repellentsor insecticides, or both; (2) add enough lanolin,vaseline, castor oil,or other base to give the desired**body." It is well to incorporate some good antisepticw^ith the stuff,to relieve irritation and poisoningfrom bites already received, and to serve as ahealing ointment for abrasions, bruises, and otherinjuries, as already mentioned. Any ingredientthat irritates the skin or makes the eyes smart shouldbe avoided, except where insects are so bad thatsuch addition may be necessary.Bites and Stings.— To relieve the itching ofinsect bites the common remedies are ammonia ora solution of baking soda. A better one is to covereach bite with flexible collodion (" New Skin ") ;but be sure the bottle is always securely stoppered,for the ether ofthe solvent evaporates very quicklyand then the stuff is useless.A bee leaves its sting in the wound, and this ofcourse should be removed ; a wasp, hornet, or yellowjacketcan sting repeatedly. For the pain, applyammonia or baking powder solution, or a weak solutionof carbolic acid, or wet salt, moistened clay, amud poultice, a slice of raw onion, or a moist quidof tobacco.Fleas.— In the high mountains of North Carolinaand adjoining States there are no mosquitoes,at least none that sing or bite; but if a man sitsdown on a log, it may be five miles from any house,the chance is good that he will arise covered withfleas. I have been so tormented by these nimble